Wound Care

Taking proper care of your wound will help it heal. Your healthcare provider may show you how to clean and dress the wound. He or she will also explain how to tell if the wound is healing normally. If you are unsure of how to take care of the wound, be sure to clarify what dressing to use and how often you should change the bandages. Here are the basic steps.

Wash your hands

Tips for washing your hands include:

Use liquid soap and lather for 2 minutes. Scrub between your fingers and under your nails.

Rinse with warm water, keeping your fingers pointing down.

Use a paper towel to dry your hands and to turn off the faucet.

Remove the used dressing

Here are suggestions for removing the dressing:

If dressing changes cause you pain, be sure to take your pain medicine as prescribed by your healthcare provider 30 minutes before dressing changes.

Set up your supplies.

Put on disposable gloves if you’re dressing a wound for someone else or your wound is infected.

Loosen the tape by pulling gently toward the wound.

Gently take off the old dressing. If the dressing is stuck to the wound, moisten it with saline (if available) or clean water.

If you have a drain or tube in the wound, be careful not to pull on it.

Remove the dressing 1 layer at a time and put it in a plastic bag.

Remove your gloves.

Inspect and dress the wound

Check the wound carefully:

Each time you change the dressing, inspect the wound carefully to be sure it’s healing normally by making sure your wound appears to be pink and moist, and is free of infection.

Wash your hands again. Put on a new pair of gloves.

Clean and dress the wound as directed by your healthcare provider or nurse. Do not put anything in the wound that is not prescribed or directed by your healthcare provider. If you have a drain or tube, be careful not to pull on it. Make sure to secure the drain or tube as well.

Put all supplies in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and put it in the trash.

Be sure to wash your hands again.

Call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if you see any of the following signs of a problem:

Bleeding that soaks the dressing

Pink fluid weeping from the wound

Increased drainage or drainage that is yellow, yellow-green, or foul-smelling

Increased swelling or pain, or redness or swelling in the skin around the wound

A change in the color of the wound, or if streaks develop in a direction away from the wound

The area between any stitches opens up

An increase in the size of the wound

A fever over 101°F (38.3°C), chills, increased fatigue, or a loss of appetite.